FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Exhibition Dates: February 4th – March 30th, 2025
Location: Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (RBSA), Birmingham, UK
Contact: Stephen Farley
Phone: 07894 881323
Email: stephenfarleyarbsa@gmail.com
Images Available: February 6th, 2025
In a secluded corner of the RBSA you’ll find a guest plinth, conceptually similar to the one in Trafalgar Square. But as this is St. Paul’s Square it’s where the similarity abruptly ceases, as we tend to do things differently up here. This occasionally vacant plinth is within a tight courtyard which is off limits to the general public -so far, so Birmingham. Thankfully the adjoining doors have windows which only adds to the secluded but cosy mood for the private viewer.
Artists can exhibit their sculptures here for a guest slot if deemed suitable by the discerning RBSA selection committee. And although the restricted viewing environment may well have put off the likes of Rodin, it certainly proves no deterrent to the accomplished alumni of this local gallery of antiquated longstanding.
The current artist who graces the granite is Stephen Farley, who recently brought his Galaxians to life via full colour relief at the front of house. But now he’s gone full 3D, with a somewhat provocative figurine that goes by the name of Sensoria. Using the site-specific conditions to his advantage here, Stephen has positioned the ice blue lady facing away from the viewer, with just a hint of seemingly impish eye contact over her left shoulder to complete the cheeky posture. There’s an underlying sense of wishing the podium would rotate, so we might appreciate sculptures from our more conventionally chosen aspect. We suspect this sense of denied anticipation is exactly what her creator had in mind
During the installation we asked him to expand a bit on his accompanying description plaque, so tantalisingly brief that it would surely qualify as an artist understatement. Satisfied she was now safely poised following some friendly grappling with the statue, he courteously gave us his errant angle in between breaths:
“She’s popped up in a couple of places in town in her time – including The Halcyon and the main window of The Oasis of all places! Should I have unintentionally strayed into offensive territory courtesy of her intensively embellished blue bottom, then I’m prepared to mitigate by rotating her 180° for the month of March. I’m in awe of Brummie sculptor William Bloye, who was also an RBSA Associate just like me. His distinctive work is all around us locally, and isn’t lauded anywhere approaching enough. Arguably his most prominent piece is Boulton, Watt and Murdoch on Broad St. (the golden patriarchal trio in the background of perhaps many thousands of wedding photos and tipsy nights out). I’m not sure what the former Professor of Sculpture would make of Sensoria though. But if we, as a city can warm to The Floozie in the Jacuzzi, then surely we can get behind the nymph on a plinth.”
Sensoria is on display at the RBSA until 30 March 2025.
For media inquiries, interviews, or high-resolution images, please contact stephenfarleyarbsa@gmail.com.
About Stephen Farley
Stephen Farley is a Birmingham-based 3D artist, recognised for his tactile work in resin and other materials. His pieces invite physical interaction and are accessible to a broad audience, including those with sight restrictions. Farley’s work is highly regarded by collectors and corporate buyers, with a focus on adding unique, original pieces to contemporary collections.
About RBSA
The Royal Birmingham Society of Artists (RBSA) is one of the UK’s oldest artist-led societies, championing contemporary art in Birmingham. The RBSA Gallery provides a platform for both emerging and established artists and is central to the city’s vibrant art scene.
